Frequency of parenteral exposure and seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among operation room personnel

Abstract

A study was designed to determine the frequency of needle-stick injuries, immunization status for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and seroprevalence of HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among operation room personnel. Self-assessment questionnaires were completed and blood tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc (total), anti-HCV and anti-HIV. Of 114 operation room personnel studied, the majority (58·8%) reported more than four needle-stick injuries per year, 36·8% one to three needle-stick injuries per year, while 4·4% reported no needle-stick injury in the last five years. Thirty-six percent of personnel had received a complete course of hepatitis C vaccination. There was serological evidence of hepatitis HBV virus and/or HCV infections in 31% of the studied population. Four percent were reactive for HCV infection, 7·5% for HBsAg infection and 25·43% for anti-HBc (total); none was HIV positive. Eighty percent of the HCV positive and 55% of the anti-HBc (total) positive personnel had more than four needle-stick injuries per year in the last five years, while 75% HBsAg-reactive personnel had received one to three needle-stick injuries per year. This study indicates a need for continued efforts to minimize the risk of blood-borne infection by enhancing the compliance of operation room personnel with HBV vaccination and adherence to infection control measures.